We listed some great places you can visit and things to do for free or for a little cash.
See our Entertainment section for free annual attractions.
Central Park: a walk in Central Park can be really exciting. On weekends there are bands performing, jugglers and other street artists.
Federal Reserve B
ank: 33 Liberty St. Free 45 minute
tours Mo-Fri,10:30 to 2:30. Call (212) 720 6130 or email
frbnytours@ny.frb.org for reservations at least
one week in
advance.
Kayaking: Pier 26 in Tribeca (between Canal & Chambers St.) and on Pier 64 in Chelsea (at 24th St.). The Downtown Boathouse provides 20 minute kayak riding for free. Summer weekends between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm. See our Activities section for more information.
Staten Island Ferry: Bowling Green. 20 to 30-minute ride, great views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty.
Village Voice: red boxes on sidewalks. This weekly guide to entertainment is indispensable.
Taping of TV shows Late Night with Conan O'Brien and Last Call with Carson Daly: Tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 9:00 am (arrive 45 minutes or so in advance) at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, at the 49th St. entrance. Ask at what time you should be back for the taping (usually around 5:00pm). Must have a photo ID and be at least 16 years of age.
Try buying food at supermarkets or delis and you will save a lot. Burger King has a location on Fulton St. a block away from the South Street Seaport where you can get unlimited refills of sodas and coffee as well. Also, you can have a hot dog or pretzels for $1 on the street.
TKTS: half price tickets for Broadway shows (see Entertainment section, Theater).
Get the free Village Voice (weekly publication) and check the clubs listing. There are many places where you can see free live bands, mainly in the East Village
Haircuts: 22 W 34 St. 2nd floor (half a block away fron The Empire State Building). Get a haircut for $6 at this hair-cut school.
99-cent Stores: There are plenty of 99-cent stores around the city where you can buy a large variety of items. A very popular one is "Jacks 99c" located on 32nd St. between 6th Ave. & 7th Ave.
Movies for $4.95: In the movie theater located inside the Virgin Megastore (Broadway & 46th St), all movies, all the time are $4.95, half the price of any other theater!!. It usually takes 3 or 4 weeks before newly release movies make it to this theater, but who cares!